bryanjazz

Just saw the Pat Metheny Group (PMG) in concert tonight (Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC). As expected, Pat did not disappoint, playing for a solid 2.5 hours, then returning for a brilliant encore. You can always tell that this band really just enjoys playing music. After playing the new album, the band pushed the crowd over the edge with with great new versions of classic PMG songs, and some recent favorites. Joined by long time collaborator Lyle Mays (keyboards) and veteran band member Steve Rodby (bass), PMG covered material from the present day to as far back as Offramp (1982). The band was rounded out by Antonio Sanchez (drums), Cuong Vu (trumpet, percussion, voice), Gregoire Maret (harmonica, percussion), and Nando Lauria (guitar, percussion, voice). As with the last PMG tour (_Speaking of Now_ 2002), I was impressed by Cuong Vu. What he does with the trumpet is amazing, adding a sensual romanticism to the group's sound that is simply beautiful. [Subsequent to the last tour, I got his first album, Bound (2000). I highly recommend it.]

I always enjoy PMG concerts. Thus my commitment to see them whenever they're within 50 miles of my current location. LOL. Anyone who enjoys their albums owes it to themselves to see this incredibly talented group of musicians create music live. (see my review of The Way Up -- and other albums -- here)